Battesti enlisted in the army in 1908. After five years in the infantry, he reenlisted for an additional year. In January 1914, he transferred to the French Air Service, obtaining his Pilot's Brevet on 3 April. By the summer of 1916, Battesti had been wounded on three separate occasions. All of his victories were scored while serving with N73 as a pursuit pilot.

Médaille Militaire

"Very good pilot filled with endurance, spirit and zeal. He has executed many reconnaissances under enemy artillery fire; has accomplished his obligations with skill and noble humor highly earned during an accident in a plane in the early days of the war that left him crippled." Médaille Militaire citation

Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur

"Magnificent officer with audacity and initiative. He distinguished himself as a pilot for an Army Corps, executing over the German lines, numerous spottings of long range guns and by missions at low altitude despite the presence of enemy planes. Transferred to pursuit aviation at his request. Has had daily hard combats and has given proof of the highest offensive spirit. Has downed several enemy aircraft which have crashed in their lines, especially on 4 July and 12 November 1917. Three wounds, three citations." Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur citation